Wall plaque with decorative graphic and methods of making the same

ABSTRACT

Implementations of the present invention provide systems, apparatus, and methods for precisely placing a graphic in a desired position between a face panel and a rear panel. In particular, implementations of the present invention comprise wall plaques having graphics that are printed directly to the back surface of face panels. Printing a graphic directly to the back surface of a face panel may help to ensure that the graphic is flat on the back surface of the face panel and is not misaligned. In addition, printing a graphic directly to the back surface of a face panel may help to eliminate the possibility that the graphic will be wrinkled, torn, or otherwise damaged prior to being laminated on the back surface of a face panel. Implementations of the present invention may also make the manufacturing process more efficient both in terms of cost and time.

BACKGROUND 1. Background and Relevant Art

Individuals and/or businesses often use wall plaques as a way to providenotices and display a variety of different information. Conventionalwall plaques may include a graphic that is positioned between atransparent or semi-transparent face panel and a rear panel. The graphicwithin a plaque may identify the location of different offices within abuilding or identify the individual or individuals that work within aspecific office. Other plaques may be used to identify buildingentrances/exits, bathrooms, emergency exit maps, elevator/stairslocations, and the like.

Individuals and/or businesses may place these plaques in high visibilityareas. For example, plaques may hang from overhead structures, such asceilings, or secure to vertical surfaces, such as walls. These plaquesmay hang indoors or outdoors and may include a variety of differentshapes and sizes.

The graphic of conventional wall plaques typically include a sheet ofpaper or film having desired information printed thereon. For example, agraphic used in a conventional wall plaque may include an office number,an individual's name, his or her title or position, and/or otherinformation. During the manufacturing process, this sheet of paper orfilm is typically laminated between face panel and a rear panel so thatthe graphic is viewable, at least in part, through the face panel.

Creating a graphic by printing information onto a sheet of paper or filmand laminating the graphic layer between sheets can lead to a variety ofproblems. For example, when a significant amount of ink is applied topaper or film, the paper or film may become warped or wavy. It may bedifficult or impossible to laminate warped or wavy paper to a facepanel. In addition, some graphics may be larger or smaller than astandard sized sheet of paper. To the extent that a graphic is smallerthan a standard sized sheet of paper, an individual may need to trim thepaper to a desired size. Trimming a graphic may lead to errors and istime consuming. To the extent that a graphic is larger than a standardsized sheet of paper, a printer that accommodates larger paper may berequired or a graphic may need to be printed on more than a single sheetof paper. Either way, this can also lead to an increased potential forerror and manufacturing cost.

Even if these problems are avoided, others problems may arise during thelamination process. For example, when laminating a graphic layer betweenface and back panels, the graphic may easily move and become misalignedor crooked. Alternatively, the lamination process may cause a graphic towrinkle, rip, or otherwise damage the graphic during the laminationprocess. Each of these scenarios, and others, may lead to the creationof a plaque having a graphic that is in part or in whole unreadable orotherwise undesirable.

Accordingly, there are a number of problems that exist with conventionalplaques and the manufacturing processes used to create wall plaques.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One or more implementations of the present invention solve one or moreof the foregoing or other problems in the art with provide systems,apparatus, and methods for precisely placing a graphic in a desiredposition between a face panel and a rear panel. In particular,implementations of the present invention comprise wall plaques havinggraphics that are printed directly to the back surface of face panels.As such, implementations of the present invention can help ensure thatthe graphic is flat on the back surface of the face panel and is notmisaligned. In addition, one or more implementations can help toeliminate the possibility that the graphic will wrinkle, tear, orotherwise sustain damage prior to, or during manufacturing.Implementations of the present invention can also make the manufacturingprocess more efficient both in terms of cost and time.

For example, one implementation of a wall plaque includes a transparentor semi-transparent face panel having a front surface and a backsurface. The wall plaque further includes a graphic printed on the backsurface of the face panel and at least one layer of sealing compoundcovering the graphic. The wall plaque also includes a back panel havinga front surface and a back surface. An attachment mechanism secures theface panel to the back panel such that the graphic and sealing compoundare positioned between the face panel and the back panel.

Another implementation of a wall plaque includes a transparent orsemi-transparent face panel having a front surface and a back surface.Additionally, the wall plaque includes a back panel having a frontsurface and a back surface. The front surface of the back panel islaminated to the back surface of the face panel. The wall plaque furtherincludes a graphic printed on a portion of the back surface of the facepanel, and a window portion on the back surface of the face panel thatis substantially free of any graphic. Also, the wall plaque includes atleast one recessed section extending into the front surface of the backpanel. The at least one recessed section defines a gap between the facepanel and the back panel. Furthermore, the at least one recessed sectionis aligned with the window portion of the face panel.

In addition to the foregoing, an implementation of a method formanufacturing a wall plaque involves printing a graphic directly on atleast a portion of a back surface of a transparent or translucent facepanel. The method also involves applying one or more layers of a sealingcompound to the back surface of the face panel such that the sealingcompound covers the graphic. The method further involves securing theback surface of the face panel to a front surface of a back panel suchthat the graphic and sealing compound are positioned between the facepanel and the back panel and the graphic is visible through the facepanel.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. These and other features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific implementations thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical implementations of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wall plaque according to oneor more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the wall plaque illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of another wall plaque according to oneor more implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the wall plaque illustrated inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of another wall plaque according to oneor more implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of yet another wall plaque according toone or more implementations of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates steps that may be performed in a method formanufacturing a wall plaque according to one or more implementations ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present invention provide systems, apparatus, andmethods for precisely placing a graphic in a desired position between aface panel and a rear panel. In particular, implementations of thepresent invention comprise wall plaques having graphics that are printeddirectly to the back surface of face panels. As such, implementations ofthe present invention can help ensure that the graphic is flat on theback surface of the face panel and is not misaligned. In addition, oneor more implementations can help to eliminate the possibility that thegraphic will wrinkle, tear, or otherwise sustain damage prior to, orduring manufacturing. Implementation of the present invention can alsomake the manufacturing process more efficient both in terms of cost andtime.

By printing a graphic directly to the back surface of a face panel, thetime and expense associated with printing a graphic on a sheet of paperand laminating that paper to a face panel may be avoided. In addition,printing a graphic directly to the back surface of the face panel may beparticularly useful should a plaque includes slots or gaps where one ormore external components may be selectively inserted into and removedfrom between a face panel and a back panel. As described in more detailhereafter, in order for the external component to be seen behind theface panel in these implementations, a window of blank or unprintedspace in the graphic may need to align precisely with the gap.Conventional processes for manufacturing plaques may be more prone toerror in manufacturing these products because even more precision isneeded to ensure that the window of blank space aligns with the gap.Even a slight misalignment between the graphic and the face panel and/orrear panel can render the plaque unreadable or otherwise unusable.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a wall plaque 100. Specifically, FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of wall plaque 100, while FIG. 2illustrates an exploded view of wall plaque 100. As can be seen fromthese figures, information board 100 can include a number of components.Specifically, wall plaque 100 includes a face panel 102, a graphic 104,and a back panel 110.

As used herein, the terms “front” and “back” are used in reference to asupport wall or a portion of the wall plaque 100 that may attach to asupport wall. In particular, “back” refers to a component or featurenearer to the support wall to which the wall plaque 100 may attach.While “front” refers to a component or feature farther from the supportwall.

In one or more implementations, the face panel 102 is translucent,transparent, or semi-transparent in whole or in part. Thus, in at leastone implementation, the face panel 102 is clear and transparent. Inalternative implementations, the face panel 102 is colored andtranslucent. As explained in greater detail below, the transparency ofthe face panel 102 can allow one to at least partially see a graphic 104behind the face panel 102.

The face panel 102 can comprise a sheet or panel including one or morelayers of material. Specifically, such materials can include, but arenot limited to, ceramic, glass, plastic, and acrylic materials. Forexample, the face panel 102 can include polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polyethylene terephthalate with glycol-modification (PETG),acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polycarbonate(PC), styrene, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyolefins (low and highdensity polyethylene, polypropylene), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),cellulose-based polymers (cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate orcellulose propionate), poly lactic acid (PLA), or the like. Furthermore,the face panel 102 can include other glass or thermoplastic polymers orthermoplastic polymer blends, or combinations and mixtures thereof. Inaddition, dry erase writing surface 102 can include any number otherlayers or coatings.

As shown by FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall plaque 100 can include a graphic 104is printed directly on the back surface of face panel 102. One willappreciate in light of the disclosure herein that because the graphic104 is printed on the face panel, the graphic can be devoid of wrinklesor other problems commonly associate with conventional paper or filmgraphic interlayers. Graphic 104 may be printed on the back surface offace panel 102 using a number of different printers. For example, in oneor more implementations graphic 104 may be printed on the back surfaceof face panel 102 using a flatbed ultraviolet printer. The ink used toprint graphic 104 onto the back surface of face panel 102 may be coloredand/or black and white. An adhesion promoter may be applied to the backsurface of face panel 102 prior to the printing of graphic 104 in orderto ensure that the ink in graphic 104 bonds to the back surface of facepanel 102. An adhesion promoter may comprise, for example, MIMAKI UVPrimerGM-1 or SERICOL UVIJET ZE680, ZE720 or ZE1000.

A graphic, according to one or more implementations of the presentinvention, may include one or more decorative images, symbols, or otherinformation to be displayed in a wall plaque. For example, FIGS. 1 and 3illustrate that the graphic 104 can identify the location of one or morerestrooms. Specifically, graphic 104 includes a decorative image of aflower and the word “restroom.” Other implementations can includegraphics that identify building entrances/exits, office/business names,building maps, elevator/stairs locations, and the like.

Additionally, the graphic 104 can cover all or part of the back surfaceof a face panel 102. As explained in greater detail below, in one ormore implementations the graphic covers only a portion of the backsurface of the face panel 102. In alternative implementations, thegraphic 104 can cover the entire back surface of the face panel 102. Inaddition to the forgoing, the graphic 104 can comprise an opaque image,a translucent image, or an at least partially transparent image.

In at least one implementation, the graphic 104 can comprise UV inks. Inone or more implementations, UV inks can allow for improved bonding toan acrylic or resin face panel 102. In particular, as UV inks dry (i.e.,turn from a liquid or paste to a solid) through a photomechanicalprocess upon exposure to ultra-violent lights, they do not requiresolvents and can bond to resin and other non-porous substrates.

In addition to the graphic, the wall plaque 100 can further include oneor more layers of a sealing compound. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate that the wall plaque 100 can include a first 106 and a second108 layers of sealing compound. In alternative implementations, a wallplaque may include only a single layer of a sealing compound.Alternatively still, more than two layers of a sealing compound may beapplied to the back surface of a graphic.

As shown by FIGS. 1 and 2, the layer(s) of sealing compound 106, 108 cancover or conceal the back of the graphic. In other words, the layer(s)of sealing compound 106, 108 can separate the graphic 104 from the backpanel 110. Furthermore, the layer(s) of sealing compound 106, 108 canentirely cover the graphic 104 as shown by FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively,the layer(s) of sealing compound 106, 108 can cover only a portion ofthe graphic 104.

The one or more sealing layers 106, 108 can prevent the ink in thegraphic from bleeding or otherwise blurring. In one or moreimplementations, the sealing compound comprises an opaque white ink,such as a UV ink. In still further implementations, the sealing compoundcomprises a coating, such as a UV coating.

As previously mentioned, wall plaque 100 also includes a back panel 110.As shown by FIGS. 1 and 2, the back panel 110 can attach to the facepanel 102 and sandwich the graphic 104 and any sealing compound layers106, 108 therebetween. In particular, the back panel 110 can attachindirectly to the face panel via the graphic 104 and sealing layers 106and 108. Face panel 102 and back panel 110 may be substantially the samesize and shape or they may have different sizes and shapes. For example,a back panel 110 may have a size slightly larger or smaller in lengthand height than face panel 102. A shown by FIGS. 1 and 2, in at leastone implementation, face panel 102 and back panel 110 are substantiallythe same size and shape.

Back panel 110 can comprise any number of different natural and/orsynthetic materials including but not limited to plastic, wood, metal,particle board, glass, ceramic, acrylic, resin etc. In at least oneimplementation, back panel 110 comprises an opaque white acrylic. Asalluded to earlier, an attachment mechanism can secure back panel 110 toface panel 102. For example, a mechanical attachment mechanism, such asa nail, screw, clamp, and the like, can secure back panel 110 to facepanel 102. Alternatively, a chemical attachment mechanism, such as apressure activated adhesive or another adhesive or glue, can secure backpanel 110 to face panel 102. Furthermore, in implementations in whichportions of back panel 110 directly contact face panel 102 (such as aboarder surround the graphic 104) heat and/or pressure can fuse facepanel 102 and back panel 110 together.

In at least one implementation, the attachment mechanism comprises apressure activated adhesive, which is applied between back panel 110 andface panel 102. An assembler can apply the pressure activated adhesiveover the sealing compound 106, 108 and graphic 104 or to the frontsurface of back panel 110. The pressure activated adhesive can comprisea liquid or film layer. Application of an adequate pressure to wallplaque 100 can activate the adhesive and secure the face panel 102 tothe back panel 110.

In yet further implementations, the attachment mechanism comprisesanother appropriate adhesive layer such as a solid film-format ethylenevinyl acetate or “EVA”; ethylene acrylates, such as ethyl methacrylateor “EMA”; polyvinyl butyral or “PVB”; or any thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU) of aliphatic or aromatic construct capable of adhering opposingsheets together with applied heat. Still further adhesive layers cancomprise thermoplastic polyolifins (TPO). Nevertheless, one willappreciate that liquid adhesives may also be appropriate for adhesivelayer in some cases.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, wall plaque 100 can optionally include aspacing member 112. Spacing member 112 can serve to raise face panel 102and back panel 110 away from a surface, such as a wall, to which wallplaque 100 is attached. Lifting face panel 102 and back panel 110 awayfrom a vertical surface may facilitate painting or other maintenancethat may be required on the vertical surface to which wall plaque 100 isattached. Spacing member 112 can attach to the back surface of backmember 110. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates four double-sided adhesivemembers 114 secure the spacing member 112 to back member 112.

One will appreciate that an installer can secure wall plaque 100 to asupport surface using any number of different attachment devices. Forexample, FIG. 2 illustrates that four double-sided adhesive members 116can secure wall plaque 100 to a flat surface. Alternatively, one or morehooks, an adhesive, a mounting bracket, straps, cords, etc. can attachwall plaque 100 to a ceiling, wall, door, divider, or other supportsurface.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate that the wall plaque 100 is rectangular inshape. In alternative implementations of the present invention, however,wall plaque may comprise any size and/or shape. For example, a wallplaque may have a square shape, triangular shape, circular shape, etc.In addition, the front surface of a face panel 102 may include one ormore textured portions, such as raised or etched lettering and othersymbols such as Braille.

One or more implementations of the present invention include wallplaques including slots for inserts. For example, FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate another implementation of a wall plaque 200 that includes aslot for an insert. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a front view ofwall plaque 200 and FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of wall plaque200. Similar to wall plaque 100, wall plaque 200 includes a transparentor semi-transparent face panel 202, a graphic 204 printed on the backsurface of face panel 202, and a back panel 210.

Unlike wall plaque 100, wall plaque 200 includes only a single layer 206of a sealing compound. In addition, the front surface of back panel 210includes a recessed section 212. As shown by FIG. 4, the recessedsection 212 can extend into the front surface of the back panel 210toward the back surface of the back panel 210. Furthermore, the recessedsection can extend to at least one side edge of back panel 210 toprovide access to the recessed section 212. Recessed section 212 may becreated by a milling machine, drill press, or another machine or tool.

As with wall plaque 100, one may use any type of attachment mechanism tosecure back panel 210 to face panel 202. For example, a person may applyan adhesive to the front surface of back panel 210 in order to secureback panel 210 to face panel 202. This adhesive, may be applied to thefront surface of back panel 210 prior to the creation of recessedsection 212. Thus, during the creation of recessed section 212, whetherperformed by a milling machine or another machine or tool, the adhesivethat is applied to the portion of the back panel 210 removed to createthe recessed section 212 will also be removed. Thus, when face panel 202is secured to back panel 210 recessed section 212 creates a gap or slotbetween back panel 210 and face panel 202.

Recessed section 212 can have a size and shape to accommodate an insert214. An individual may selectively insert and remove insert 214, oranother appropriately shaped and sized insert, from the gap or slotcreated between face panel 202 and a back panel 210 by recessed section212. Insert 214 maybe selectively inserted into and/or removed from thisgap or slot through the side of back panel 210 to which recessed section212 extends. In one implementation, an insert may be slightly smallerthan recessed section 212 such that it may be easily inserted into andremoved from a recessed section.

Insert 214 can comprise paper, plastic, metal, or another thin material.Furthermore, the insert can include information, such as a person'sname, an office number, a map, or other information. One will appreciatethat the recessed section can allow a user to selectively remove theinsert 214 from wall plaque 200 and replace it with anotherappropriately sized insert having different information printed thereon.Thus, a person can change all or part of the information that appears ona plaque without having to replace the entire plaque.

Recessed section 212, according to one or more implementations of thepresent invention may have a variety of different sizes and shapes,depending on the inserts that the recessed section is to accommodate.For example, a recessed section 212 may be in the shape of a square,rectangle, triangle, or another shape. The depth of a recessed section212 may also vary depending on the size and shape of the insert that therecessed section will be required to accommodate. For instance, thedepth of recessed section 212 may be small. Alternatively, and dependingon the thickness of back panel 210, recessed section 212 may have a muchlarger depth. In one implementation, recessed section 212 may extend toa depth of four hundredths of an inch. In one or more implementations,recessed section 212 may extend through back panel 210.

In order for insert 214 to be seen through face panel 202, a windowportion 216 of space may exist in face panel 202 that is entirely orsubstantially free from any ink from graphic 204 and/or sealing compound206. When face panel 202 is secured to back panel 210, window portion216 may align with recessed section 212. In one or more implementations,a window of unprinted and unsealed area may correspond substantially insize and shape to a recessed section. Alternatively, and as is the casewith wall plaque 200 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, window portion 216 isslightly smaller than recessed section 212. Thus, graphic 204 extendsover the top, bottom, and left side of recessed section 212 by a smallamount. Thus, window portion 216 hides from view the top, bottom, andleft edges of insert 214, thereby creating a cleaner look.

In alternative implementations, the back surface of face panel 202 mayinclude a recessed section. The manufacturing process for such animplementation may include printing a graphic and applying one or moresealing layers to the back surface of the face panel 202. An adhesive,for example a heat or pressure activated adhesive may then be applied tothe back surface of the face panel. A tool, such as a milling machine,may then create the recessed portion by removing the adhesive, sealinglayer(s), graphic, and a desired amount of the face panel from the backsurface of the face panel. The face panel may then be secured to a backpanel.

The front surface of the back panel in this implementation may be flat,or it may also include a recessed section that may or may not align withthe recessed portion on the back surface of the face panel. For example,in one implementation of the present invention a wall plaque may includetwo gaps or slots, one created by a recessed section in the back surfaceof the face panel and the other created by a recessed section in thefront surface the back panel.

Wall plaques, according to one or more implementations of the presentinvention, can have any number of different styles, shapes, and/orconfigurations. For example, FIG. 5 shows wall plaque 300. Wall plaque300 includes a face panel 302. A graphic 304 is printed on the backsurface of face panel 302. Graphic 304, includes flowers, an officenumber, and two window portions 306 and 308. The back panel of wallplaque 300 includes two recessed sections 310 and 312 where a user canselectively place inserts 314 and 316.

Recessed section 306 extends to the left side of wall plaque 300 whilerecessed section 308 extends to the right side wall plaque 300. In oneimplementation, inserts 310 and 312 may include the names of individualsthat work in the office identified by graphic 304. In addition, windowportions 306 and 308 are slightly smaller than recessed sections 310 and312. Thus, when inserts 314 of 316 are in recessed sections 310 and 312,three of the edges of inserts 314 and 316 may not be seen through facepanel 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, insert 314 is within recessed section 310through a left side of wall plaque 300. Insert 316 is shown partiallywithin recessed section 312 through a right side of wall plaque 300.Because inserts 314, 316 have similar sizes, a user can insert theinsert 314, or another insert having an appropriate size and shape, intorecessed section 312. Similarly, a user can insert the insert 316, oranother insert having an appropriate size and shape, into recessedsection 310. In alternative implementations, each recessed section canhave a different size and/or shape.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another wall plaque 400 according to the presentinvention. Wall plaque 400 includes a face panel 402 and a graphic 404that is printed to the back surface of face panel 402. Graphic 404includes three separate window portions of unprinted space, 406, 408,and 410. The front surface of back panel in wall plaque 400 includesthree recessed portions 412, 414, and 416, where a user can selectivelyinsert or remove inserts 418, 420, and 422. Recessed sections 412, 414,and 416 each extend to a right side of wall plaque 400.

Window portions 406, 408, and 410 align substantially with recessedportions 412, 414, and 416. Window portions 406, 408, and 410 areslightly smaller than recessed portions 412, 414, and 416. In addition,windows 406, 408, and 410 do not extend to the right side of wall plaque400. Rather, a portion of graphic 404 may cover recessed portions 412,414, and 416 along the right side of wall plaque 400. Thus, when inserts418, 420, and 422 are positioned within recessed portions 412, 414, and416, the graphic 404 and/or sealing compound can cover all four edges ofinserts 418, 420, and 422 to provide a clean and seamless look.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-6, the corresponding text, and the examples,provide a number of different components and mechanisms for creatingdecorative and/or functional wall plaques or signs. In addition to theforegoing, implementations of the present invention can also bedescribed in terms of flowcharts comprising acts and steps in a methodfor accomplishing a particular result. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates aflowchart of one exemplary method for manufacturing a wall plaque orsign. The acts of FIG. 7 are described below with reference to thecomponents and diagrams of FIGS. 1 through 6.

For example, FIG. 7 shows that the method 500 of manufacturing a wallplaque or sign can comprise an act 502 of printing a graphic on a backsurface of a back panel. Act 502 can include printing a graphic 104,204, 304, 404 directly on at least a portion of a back surface of atransparent or translucent face panel 102, 202, 302, 402. For example,act 502 can comprise printing a UV curable ink onto an acrylic or resinface panel using a UV flatbed printer.

In at least one implementation, act 502 can further comprise applying anadhesion promoter to the back surface of a face panel prior to theprinting of a graphic thereon. An adhesion promoter may ensure that thegraphic bonds adequately with the face panel. Additionally, act 502 caninvolve leaving a portion of the back surface devoid of graphic 104,204, 304, 404 to define a window portion 216, 306, 308, 406, 408, 410.

FIG. 7 shows that method 500 can further comprise an act 504 of applyingone or more layers of a sealing compound to the back surface of the facepanel. Act 504 can comprise applying one or more layers of a sealingcompound 106, 108, 206 to the back surface of the face panel 102, 202,302, 402 such that the sealing compound 106, 108, 206 covers the graphic104, 204, 304, 404. In one or more implementations, act 504 comprisesprinting at least one opaque white layer 106, 108, 206 over the graphic104, 204, 304, 404. The one or more layers of a sealing compound canhelp prevent the colors or designs in the graphic 104, 204, 304, 404from bleeding or otherwise blurring.

As with the graphic 104, 204, 304, 404, the sealing compound 106, 108,206 may not cover the entire back surface of the face panel 102, 202,302, 402. For example, if a face panel 102, 202, 302, 402 includes awindow portion 216, 306, 308, 406, 408, 410 that is substantially freefrom any graphic, this window portion 216, 306, 308, 406, 408, 410 mayalso be substantially free from any sealing compound 106, 108, 206. Onewill appreciate in light of the disclosure herein, when the sealingcompound is opaque or when the graphic is opaque, it may not be possibleto see the back panel 110, 210 through the face panel 102, 202, 302,402, except through window portions 216, 306, 308, 406, 408, 410.

The method can further involve applying a protective mask to one or moresides of the face panel and/or back panel in order to avoid scuffing orotherwise damaging the face panel, back panel, graphic, or sealingcompound layer(s) while transporting or laminating the panels and/orduring the other steps of the manufacturing process. The protective maskcan comprise a thin plastic or other material that covers the face paneland/or back panel in whole or in part.

FIG. 7 further illustrates that method 500 can comprise a step 506 ofsecuring the face panel to the rear panel. Act 506 can comprise securingthe back surface of the face panel 102, 202, 302, 402 to a front surfaceof a back panel 110, 210 such that the graphic 104, 204, 304, 404 andsealing compound 106, 108, 206 are positioned between the face panel102, 202, 302, 402 and the back panel 110, 210. In particular, thegraphic 104, 204, 304, 404 is visible through the face panel 102, 202,302, 402. For example, act 506 can include apply an adhesive layer, suchas a pressure sensitive adhesive, over the front surface of the backpanel 110, 210. Act 506 can then involve abutting the adhesive on thefront surface of the back panel 110, 210 against the sealing compound onthe back surface of the face panel. Act 506 can involve activating theadhesive by applying pressure and/or heat to the assembly.

In at least one implementation, prior to securing face panel 102, 202,302, 402 to back panel 110, 210, the method 500 can further includemilling out at least one recessed section in the front surface of theback panel. In particular, the method 500 can involve forming a recessedsection 212, 310, 312, 412, 414, 416 extending into the front surface ofthe back panel and toward a back surface of the back panel. To theextent that the recessed section 212, 310, 312, 412, 414, 416 is milledor otherwise cut out of the front surface of the back panel, thisrecessed section 212, 310, 312, 412, 414, 416 may correspondsubstantially in size and shape to the window of space in the facepanel.

Furthermore, forming the recessed section 212, 310, 312, 412, 414, 416can also remove any adhesive applied to the region being milled. To theextent that the recessed section 212, 310, 312, 412, 414, 416 is milledor otherwise cut out of the back surface of the face panel, the millingor cutting process can remove any graphic and/or sealing compound toform a recessed, window area. Regardless of whether the recessed section212, 310, 312, 412, 414, 416 is created in the face panel or the backpanel, the recessed section 212, 310, 312, 412, 414, 416 may extend toat least one edge of the face and/or back panel

Once the back panel is secured to the front panel, the recessed section212, 310, 312, 412, 414, 416 may create a gap or slot between the facepanel and the back panel. One or more inserts may be selectivelyinserted into and/or removed from the slot or gap created by therecessed section between the face panel and the back panel. The one ormore inserts 214, 314, 316, 418, 420, 422 may be selectively insertedinto and/or removed from the wall plaque through one or more sides ofthe wall plaque.

During the manufacturing process, more than one graphic may be printedto the back surface of a single large transparent or semi-transparentsheet. For example, the same graphic or different graphics may beprinted to the back surface of this large sheet. One or more layers ofthe sealing compound may also be applied to the back surface of thelarge transparent or semitransparent sheet. This sheet can be placed ona cutting table where a cutting machine or tool may cut each individualface panel out.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. For example, inone or more implementations, the front surface of a back panel may havea graphic printed thereon. In such an implementation, an adhesionpromoter may be applied to the front surface of a back panel prior tothe printing of a graphic. In addition, one or more sealing compoundsmay be applied to the front of the graphic. Obviously, in order for thegraphic to be viewable through a face panel, any sealing compoundapplied to the front of the graphic would need to be transparent orsemi-transparent. The described implementations are to be considered inall respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of theinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than bythe foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

We claim:
 1. A wall plaque comprising: a transparent or semi-transparent face panel having a front surface and a back surface; a graphic printed on the back surface of the face panel; at least one layer of sealing compound covering the graphic; a back panel having a front surface and a back surface; and an attachment mechanism securing the face panel to the back panel such that the graphic and sealing compound are positioned between the face panel and the back panel.
 2. The wall plaque as recited in claim 1, wherein the sealing compound comprises opaque white ink.
 3. The wall plaque as recited in claim 2, wherein two layers of the sealing compound cover the graphic.
 4. The wall plaque as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism permanently secures the face panel to the back panel.
 5. The wall plaque as recited in claim 4, wherein attachment mechanism comprises a pressure activated adhesive positioned between the front surface of the back panel and the sealing compound.
 6. The wall plaque as recited in claim 1, further comprising a spacing member secured to the back surface of the back panel.
 7. The wall plaque as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a window portion on the back surface of the face panel that is substantially free from any graphic; and a recessed section extending into the front surface of the back panel, the recessed section defining a gap between the face panel and the back panel; wherein the recessed section is aligned with the window portion.
 8. The wall plaque as recited in claim 1, wherein the recessed section extends to at least one side edge of the back panel.
 9. The wall plaque as recited in claim 8, further comprising at least one insert sized and configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the gap defined by the recessed section.
 10. A wall plaque comprising: a transparent or semi-transparent face panel having a front surface and a back surface; a back panel having a front surface and a back surface, the front surface of the back panel being laminated to the back surface of the face panel; a graphic printed on a portion of the back surface of the face panel; a window portion on the back surface of the face panel that is substantially free of any graphic; and at least one recessed section extending into the front surface of the back panel, the at least one recessed section defining a gap between the face panel and the back panel; wherein the at least one recessed section is aligned with the window portion of the face panel.
 11. The wall plaque as recited in claim 10, further comprising at least one insert sized and configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the gap between the face panel and the back panel.
 12. The wall plaque as recited in claim 11, wherein the at least one recessed section and the at least one insert each have a surface area larger than the surface area of the window portion such that when inserted into the gap, one or more edges of the at least one insert are positioned behind the graphic.
 13. The wall plaque as recited in claim 12, further comprising a sealing compound covering the graphic, the sealing compound being positioned between the graphic and the back panel.
 14. The wall plaque as recited in claim 13, wherein the sealing compound comprises one or more layer of opaque white ink.
 15. The wall plaque as recited in claim 14, further comprising an adhesive positioned directly between the front surface of the back panel and the sealing compound, the adhesive securing the back panel to the front panel.
 16. A method for manufacturing a wall plaque comprising: printing a graphic directly on at least a portion of a back surface of a transparent or translucent face panel; applying one or more layers of a sealing compound to the back surface of the face panel such that the sealing compound covers the graphic; and securing the back surface of the face panel to a front surface of a back panel such that the graphic and sealing compound are positioned between the face panel and the back panel and the graphic is visible through the face panel.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising leaving a portion of the back surface devoid of graphic to define a window portion.
 18. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising: milling out at least one recessed section in the front surface of the back panel, the at least one recessed section extending into the front surface of the back panel and toward a back surface of the back panel; and wherein securing the back surface of the face panel to a front surface of a back panel comprises placing the face panel and the back panel together and aligning the window portion over the recessed section.
 19. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein applying one or more layers of a sealing compound to the back surface of the face panel comprises printing at least one opaque white layer over the graphic.
 20. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein printing a graphic on a portion of a back surface of the face panel comprises printing a UV curable ink onto an acrylic or resin face panel. 